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Successful Microsurfacing Trial Using ADCo Emulsion Technology for Pavement Maintenance

Microsurfacing using EcoGrip® (cationic quick-setting polymer-modified emulsion from ADCo) shows good performance even after over 1 year of service. The skid resistance and macrotexture are stable, and the pavements do not show any signs of cracking or shoving.

 

Picture 1. After 1 year of laying Microsurfacing using EcoGrip® emulsion of ADCo, trial section in HW21B
is still in good condition with high roughness, even, no cracking even under high intensity of traffic with heavy trucks & containers.
 
After 12 months of service, the microsurfacing trial section’s performance was evaluated by the Institute of Transport Science and Technology, with the participation of the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Transport, Directorate for Roads in Vietnam, professors (Ph.D. in materials research), faculty, and road management units.
 
The evaluation report of the Institute of Transport Science and Technology stated, "Surface is even, meets requirements of TCVN8864:2011. Surface roughness and skid resistance have been significantly improved compared to the previous surface (before laying microsurfacing) while maintaining a good level over the evaluation period". All results are compliant with the TCVN standards.
 
The trial result also receive a good evaluation from Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Transport, Vietnam Directorate for Roads, professors, and leading experts in the road materials industry
 

Dr. Tran Dinh Buu said that microsurfacing using ADCo emulsion shows satisfactory results and can be a reliable solution for road surface maintenance. Over the past decade, this technology has been widely implemented globally, as the road authorities’ priority is to keep the road surface in good and safe condition in a sustainable manner. "It is essential to develop such technology in Vietnam".

 

Picture 2: Institute of Transport Science and Technology measuring roughness by sand patch method
 
Mr. Nguyen Anh Dung, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Transport, said that the ADCo emulsion used in the trial meets their technical requirements. Soon, the Ministry of Transport will issue the national standard TCVN of microsurfacing in order to encourage all parties involved in maintenance to use this technology for their projects.
 
As a leading supplier and expert in road materials, ADCo designs tailor-made asphalt emulsions according to the specific requirements of each microsurfacing project.
 
HW21B witnesses intensive traffic, with speeds up to 80 km/h, and heavy vehicles. The road has been used for 4 years, and it was a good time to try microsurfacing to prevent potential moisture damage and oxidation. The pavement also showed signs of low macrotexture. During the rainy season, such an issue can limit the speed of vehicles and negatively impact traffic safety.

 

According to Mr. Le Tam, Country Manager, ADCo, "After laying one layer of Microsurfacing, surface is homogeneous, with an average thickness of 10 mm, which can extend the service life of the road a couple of years, restore the skid resistance while protecting the pavement from moisture and improve the traffic safety. After such encouraging results from the trial, it shows that this technology is suitable with the actual road conditions in Viet Nam".

 

Picture 3. 1 year ago, ADCo did a trial of Microsurfacing
 
Regional Technical Manager of Colas Group, Southeast Asia, Mr. Christophe Duboscq said that the EcoGrip® emulsion is designed to suit the conditions in Vietnam, such as hot climate, high humidity, and heavy traffic.
 
Microsurfacing mixtures include aggregate thoroughly mixed with polymer asphalt emulsions along with mineral fillers (usually, cement), water, and chemical additives to control the curing time. All these materials are mixed in a machine mounted on a special vehicle. The mixture is then transferred to the spreader box, after which a thin layer of microsurfacing is performed on the pavement; rolling is not required.
 
The application time is short, and the road can be opened to traffic after just 1–2 hr in good weather conditions. Because this thanks to rapid chemical breaking, material selection, and proper Microsurfacing design. The success of microsurfacing is highly dependent on the emulsion. This trial was a success owing to the product supplied by ADCo combined with the knowledge gained from Colas Group, an expert in road construction and maintenance worldwide.
 

 

 
Microsurfacing technology is a preventive maintenance solution applied on the relatively sound pavement with an average thickness of 10 mm.
 
Microsurfacing application can be done multiple times and, therefore, can be considered a cost-effective solution. 
 
Established in 1993, ADCo, a subsidiary of Tipco Asphalt and Colas Group, is a leading supplier of bitumen and emulsion in Vietnam. ADCo has been leading the way forward with breakthrough innovations such as polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), asphalt 40/50, and high-performance emulsion for construction and maintenance. Thanks to its international expertise and elaborate experience in Vietnam, ADCo now provides tailor-made solutions to contractors willing to employ microsurfacing technology in Vietnam.

 

 

 
 
Source: ADCo

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